By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo

Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari, the new 12th papal nuncio to Korea, visited Catholic Medical Center (CMC) and Catholic University of Korea on July 10.

The visit was organized to see firsthand the facilities of CMC, which has one of the largest medical networks and clinical and research centers in Korea, St. Mary's Hospital Seoul, which has a state-of-the-art medical system, and Catholic University College of Medicine and Nursing, which is training global medical talent based on the Catholic spirituality of respect for life.

“I look forward to the visit of the Holy Father's ambassador and to the further development of the relationship between the Holy See and Catholic Central Medical Center based on mutual awareness and cooperation,” said Dr. Hwasung (Francis) Lee, Vice President for Medical Affairs and President of the Medical Center, at a welcoming ceremony held in the conference room of the Medical Center at Catholic University.

“I knew before my visit that the Catholic Medical Center is a world leader in medical care and research,” Archbishop Gaspari said, and I am grateful for your example of how faith and science can be well integrated, and for your respect for life.” “I look forward to the continued efforts of all of you at Catholic Medical Center to serve those who are suffering.”

Archbishop Gaspari toured the large lecture halls where students are taught in various groups, as well as the labs and academic collaboration facilities, and visited the Catholic Medical History Museum, where he received a briefing on the history of Catholic healthcare in Korea.